Over the past few years, there have been countless actors and musicians who have died. Some died from age, some from illness or medical conditions and several simply gave into their inner demons. Regardless of the reasons why they are no longer here, the end result is that these deaths often have a significant impact on the rest of us. Why do we care so much when someone we probably didn’t even know in our private lives, passes on?
There are many people who are actually irritated by the attention that is paid to celebrity deaths. They state that every life matters, and those lived by celebrities somehow don’t deserve widespread attention. While it is true that every single life matters and every death brings heartache and loss to those who are left behind, the death of a renowned individual somehow is able to touch a cord in the lives of those who admired them.
Actors and musicians are able to transcend the barriers that separate our individual lives. They often illustrate what it looks like to pursue a dream and achieve success in their chosen field. Actors can often transport us out of our everyday lives and problems while we watch them play out their dramas on the big screen. Though we know that the characters they portray are often totally different from their personal lives, we are able to escape the ordinary for a time and get lost in the stories they weave. The actors who are most beloved are the ones who can take any story and make us believe it is possible.
In spite of the impact that actors have on our lives, the ones made by musicians are likely even more meaningful. Music is able to touch us all in ways that are unique to the person listening. A song can capture a moment in time and has the power to evoke intense memories and feelings whenever that song is heard again. No matter the genre of music or whether it is commercially successful, music is intensely personal to every individual. Therefore, the musicians who compose and play these songs are able to forge a strong connection with their fans.
One reason that their deaths may have such a profound effect on our lives is because they symbolize our lives and what has helped form who we have become. An especially gifted actor or a beloved musician may have such a deep connection to us that we feel almost adrift then they have died. They may have become such a part of our personalities, that their passing makes us question our own identity. In addition, when we have become attached to a musician and their music, their death brings home to us that life is finite. None of us will live forever and the death of a role model or favored celebrity drives that point home – painfully at times. Thankfully, they have left us a legacy that will indeed live on.
Writer Bio: Angela Mose
I am a mom of 7 who has successfully homeschooled for 20 years. I was married for more than 25 years and have recently started my life over. I have a passion for writing and music and when the two can be combined, it is utopia. A Maryland native, I am planning to relocate north in the near future and will continue to strive to learn and experience new things on a regular basis. I am fortunate enough to be able to work from home while exploring new ways to increase my knowledge and skills and help improve the lives of those around me.
